he boy, in an ill-used
tone.

"We shall have to hide here in the wood till night, and we can dry and
clean our muddy clothes and have a good wash before then."

"And what are we to get to eat?"

"Blackberries, and sloes, and nuts."

"Oh yes, and pretty stuff they are. One apple off the big old tree's
worth all the lot here."

"Can't help it, Pan. We must do the best we can."

"Don't let's go back, Master Syd. You can't tell how rope's-end hurts.
Alter your mind, and let's go and seek our fortunes somewhere."

"This way," said Syd, by way of answer; and pointing off the road, the
two lads plunged farther and farther into the wood, keeping close to the
little stream, which had cut its way deep down below the level; so that
it was some time before they came to an open sandy spot, where, with the
bright morning sun shining full upon them, they had a good refreshing
wash; and soon after, as they sat in a sunny nook where the sand was
deep and dry, first one and then the other nodded off to sleep.

It was late in the afternoon before Syd awoke, to look up anxiously
about before the full force of his position dawned upon him; and feeling
faint and more low-spirited than had ever been his lot before, he sat
there thinking about what he had to go through.

As near as he could judge they were about five miles from the Heronry,
and two hours before it grew dark would be ample time for their journey.

"I may as well let him sleep," said Syd. "He'll only want to go away,
and we can't do that."

Then, in spite of his efforts to the contrary, his mind began to dwell
upon home and the various meals. Just about dusk the dinner would be
ready, and his father and uncle sitting down, while he--

"Oh, I do feel so hungry!" he muttered. "I'd give anything for some
bread and cheese."

He went to the side of the little stream, lay down, and placing his lips
to the clear cool water, drank heartily a draught that was refreshing,
but did not allay his hunger; and after sitting down and thinking for a
time, he put his hands in his pockets and felt his money. But it was of
no use out there in the woods.

He sat thinking again, wishing now that they had gone on in spite of
their condition, for then the trouble would have been over, and he would
have had food, if it had only been bread and water.

"Oh dear! I can't bear this any longer!" he said, suddenly jumping up.
"We must get something to eat if it's only nuts. Here, Pa